Bio and cellulose materials need to ‘promote environmental message’
25/11/2014
The ‘price’ of the recycled PET or bio-based materials tends to be around 10%-30% more than standard materials, delegates heard, so there needs to be a set of industry initiatives to drive greater economies of scale or lower total industry costs.
While the development of bio-based synthetics and sugar derived cellulosics is appearing, there should be clearer messaging about the environmental benefits by including life cycle analysis and recyclability/end-of-life options, the companies said, and the message needs to be promoted to consumers.
Invista has launched the first bio-derived elastin made from dextrose. Natureworks PLA material is derived from sugar. Unifi’s Repreve is focused on educating consumers on recycled polyester/nylon. Lenzing makes cellulose-based Tencel and Modal, and FENC has a 100% recycled PET and is working on a bio-based version.
Delegates also had the chance to join sessions on animal welfare issues, near-shoring, organic cotton and green chemistry, among others. Companies that attended the event included Concept III, Nike, Hohenstein, Columbia, Adidas, the North Face, Timberland, New Balance and Canopy Project.
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